the decision to go in so quickly was made by the top commander in afghanistan, general john allen, who thought joseph was in immediate danger. >> the race was on. because at that point, they knew if they couldn't get him before he was taken over the border into pakistan, that it would be almost impossible to rescue him. >> reporter: there have been hundreds of successful missions by the s.e.a.l.s, including the raid that killed osama bin laden. but the missions remain unpredictable and dangerous, as defense secretary leon panetta said today, "the special operators knew they were putting their lives on the line." the former hostage, dilip joseph, will likely return to the u.s. by this weekend. his family issued a statement tonight, extending their deepest condolences and gratitude to all those involved in the mission. diane? >> thank you so much, martha raddatz reporting in. >>> and now, we go overseas to syria. the rebels still on the move, near the capital damascus. the assad regime, still corralling its chemical weapons. and abc's alex marquardt got a call to travel at night and meet